PM Says No Favouritism or Corruption Will Be Tolerated in Distribution of Water

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says no favouritism or corruption will be tolerated in the distribution of water to residents who are being impacted by drought conditions.

Mr. Holness said he has received complaints on the matter, and as such, he has directed the National Water Commission (NWC) to establish a hotline and email address where complaints can be sent to the Commission.

The Prime Minister further advised that these complaints will be sent to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

Mr. Holness was making a Statement in the House of Representatives on May 28, where he provided an update on the Government’s efforts to build water resilience in Western Jamaica, amidst the ongoing chronic drought facing the western parishes, in particular.

“Some connected persons, some unscrupulous persons have diverted the benefit from the people and we have heard this complaint over and over and over again,” the Prime Minister said.

“For those persons who have been affected by this favouritism in the distribution of water or some kind of corrupt activity in diverting water for which funds have been allocated, I’ve directed the NWC to establish a hotline and an email dedicated to receive these complaints, and as soon as the complaints are brought to the attention of the NWC, we will pass them on to MOCA for investigations to be done to bring charges and prosecution against persons who have been identified in this regard. We take it very seriously. There should be no corruption or favouritism in the distribution of water,” Mr. Holness added.

The Prime Minister said the Government understands the impact on all stakeholders – residents, children, schools, businesses, and hotels in the region.

He informed that more than $300 million is being spent to alleviate drought conditions on Jamaicans.

“The Government hears the complaints, understands the issues and we respond in significant ways. It’s not a complete solution but it responds to the immediate needs of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness said the systems being implemented by the Government are to ensure that the highest standard of water quality is maintained for distribution.

“This is water for drinking purposes, potable water, so the Ministry of Health and Wellness, NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency) and the NWC have programmes to monitor the water standards and to certify the trucks, to ensure that these emergency interventions do not compromise public health,” the Prime Minister noted.

“I know there have been complaints that we don’t have enough trucks and we are excluding trucks from the delivery schedule, because they are not certified… . It is a challenge, but I want the public to be assured that the Government will not compromise its standards in the delivery of potable water through trucking, and the public can have confidence that the water they are getting is safe for human consumption,” he added.

The Prime Minister recommended that persons should, where possible, undertake their own form of sterilisation when they receive the commodity.